Title
Coral Gables Arts Advisory Panel Meeting of January 23, 2019.
Body
NEW BUSINESS:
a. CALL FOR ART - GIRALDA SKY
The Panel reviewed a Call for Art for temporary art installations at Giralda Plaza. Ms. Cathers gave a brief overview of the success of the Umbrella Sky project and conveyed the request of the City Commission to continue similar activations at Giralda Plaza. She noted the Panel’s previous discussion and recommendation to approach artists of renown for an inaugural art activation at the site.
b. CARLOS BARBON, DONATION
The Panel was advised that artist Carlos Barbon approached the City, and more specifically the Fire Department, to accept three giclee prints of watercolor works by the artist. The artist, staff said, is doing (a series) of representations of the old Police and Fire Station building for the Coral Gables Museum to commemorate the anniversary of the building. Staff stated that it’s unclear whether the series is a limited edition and that the intention of the artist is to have the works placed in the new Public Safety Building.
A motion was made by Mr. Brito (advising the artist Carlos Barbon to offer the prints directly to the Fire Department) and not accept the prints through this process, as it is not necessary. Mr. Roselione-Valadaz seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
c. PREQUALIFIED ARTIST - PAUL COOLEY
The Panel received pre-qualification materials for the artist Paul Cooley as submitted by developer Henry Paper. Staff noted that the City has not received information on the potential project for this artist’s work. Ms. Cathers gave a brief overview of the artist’s credentials. The Panel reviewed the materials, discussed briefly and made the following motion:
A motion was made by Dr. Deupi to recommend artist Paul Cooley as a pre-qualified artist. Mr. Roselione-Valadaz seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
d. PREQUALIFIED ARTIST - NOMAD
The Panel received pre-qualification materials for the artist team Nomad as submitted by developer T.A. Builders. Staff advised that the project this artist is being considered for includes a publicly accessible pocket park next to the proposed development project. The Panel reviewed the materials, discussed briefly, and made the following motion:
A motion was made by Mr. Brito to recommend artist team Nomad as a pre-qualified artist. Mr. Kolasiński seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
e. PRE-QUALIFIED ARTIST - SANTIAGO PINYOL
The Panel received pre-qualification materials for the artist Santiago Pinyol as submitted by developer T.A. Builders. Staff discussed the potential development site and recommendations made to ensure that the space being considered would be visibly accessible and welcoming to the public. The Panel reviewed the materials, discussed briefly, and made the following motion:
A motion was made by Mr. Brito to recommend artist Santiago Pinyol as a pre-qualified artist. Mr. Kolasiński seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
There was no old business.
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES UPDATES
a. PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING - PUBLIC ART PROPOSALS
Staff reported that the three artists the Panel recommended have completed their site visits; the Cultural Development Board reviewed the recommendation and added a fourth artist, Robert Lazzarini. Staff reported that the Commission has approved the artists and Mr. Lazarinni completed his site visit yesterday. They were also advised of the Commission’s directive to reach out extensively for public comment.
b. DAVID HAYES SCULPTURE ACQUISITION
Staff reported on the approval by the City Commission to acquire the David Hayes sculpture currently installed at City Hall. Dr. Deupi asked if there is a maquette or sketch that could accompany the work. Staff responded that a sketch is currently hung in City Hall; however, it may belong to the Mayor. The artist’s son David Hayes, Ms. Spain said, was also at the Commission meeting and was warmly received.
c. HANK WILLIS THOMAS ACQUISITION
The Panel was advised that responding to an inquiry made by Vice Mayor Lago, the studio of Hank Willis Thomas approached staff about acquisition of the speech bubble artwork signs currently installed along Miracle Mile. The studio forwarded a proposal that was presented to the Cultural Development Board (CDB), who made a recommendation to the City Commission to acquire the artworks using funds set aside for Miracle Mile public art, including keeping the pink speech bubble artwork bench installed on Miracle Mile. It was reported that the City Commission approved the acquisition for two hundred thousand dollars ($200.000). The artwork signs, staff said, will be removed in the event of high winds.
d. DEDICATIONS
Staff reported on the successful dedications of the public artworks at Balboa Plaza (R& R Studios), Giralda Plaza (Sibylle Pasche), and Miracle Mile for Art Basel with Hank Willis Thomas, including the successful collaboration with the Lowe Art Museum.
CITY COMMISSION ITEMS
a. CIFO DONATION - UPDATE
Ms. Spain reported on the update provided to the City Commission regarding the proposed CIFO sculpture donation by artist Fredy Alzate. The update, she said, included a summary report by Emily MacDonald-Korth who inspected the work due to concern about it possibly being installed outside. Ms. MacDonald-Korth’s report noted that the work was cut in half for transportation purposes and the seam needed to be re-adhered. She supported the recommendation that if it was going to be accepted by the City that it should be installed indoors. At the Commission meeting, staff was asked to speak with the artist directly. Ms. Spain said that Ms. MacDonald-Korth was not able to speak directly with the artist and staff is attempting to reach him to see what he recommends regarding the location.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
The Panel was advised that the CDB has requested having a bi-annual meeting with the AAP twice a year. The Panel discussed and asked if the CDB could attend one of their meetings to fulfil this request. Staff will address with the Board and respond back to the Panel. Staff noted that they will also be providing the CDB with the Panel’s minutes.
ITEMS FROM THE SECRETARY:
The Panel was advised to save the date for the upcoming Boards and Committees Appreciation Reception on February 28th from 6 p.m - 9 p.m.